Reptile & Amphibian Forums

While i was at petco buying mice and crickets i stumbled upon a ball python sitting at a counter. i asked the guy about it and he said a lady and her little girl took it back cuz the girl wasnt taking care of it. he also said that they cant resell them and he and they were going to send it off to be killed. he said i could take it for free and i couldnt just let such a nice snake be killed so i took her. i baught her a brand new 20 gallon tank which is a huge inprovement from 5 1/2 gallon tank that the little girl kept her in. when i got home i noticed some scale rot and was wondering if there is a way to cure it? and if it will ever grow back? thnx

Dragon Tamer

localized small areas can be treated with Neosporin or Polysporin ointment applied at least twice daily, or Povidone Iodine (Betadine) ointment as well. More extensive scale rot often needs a combo of Povidone Iodine soaks and possibly antibiotic injections. Make sure the animal is well hydrated, and provide belly heat that doesn't exceed about 90F. The ventral scale rot was probably caused by too great a belly-heat temp. The snake will probably enter a shed cycle very soon, which is part of the healing process.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Scott J. Michaels DVM